10 best tree removal companies in Delaware, Ohio

While healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and give your yard refreshing shade, unhealthy trees pose significant risks for your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, it may be necessary to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, turn to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

It's important to get rid of diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is extremely dangerous if done improperly. Attempting to do the job on your own could result in personal injury or property damage.

Tree removal specialists are trained in the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees according to local regulations. By choosing a reputable tree removal company in Delaware, you can be assured that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Delaware

Look for tree removal companies in Delaware with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.

How do you know a tree needs to be removed?

When a tree exhibits signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots have gotten too close to your home, removal is often the best course of action. The number of decayed trees in Delaware is relatively low compared to other parts of the country. If you notice any of the following signs, contact a tree removal expert.

The tree's branches or trunk are cracked and won't heal. The tree is dropping far more leaves, sap, needles, seeds or branches than usual. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree or its offshoots are too close to your home, garage or shed. The tree has mold, diseases or pests weakening its structure. The tree is severely burned or visibly dead. The tree's roots are making your home's foundation lift or crack.

Trees that are leaning or have raised dirt around the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a reputable tree removal company right away if you notice either of these signs, and have the tree professionally examined.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at elevated risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. A falling tree poses a substantial risk to people, vehicles, pets and property. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include loose bark, large cracks, dead branches, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed as soon as you can.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal experts may offer a range of other services. Besides their main focus removing trees, some companies can help with these other jobs:

• Wood chipping: A tree removal professional can use a wood chipper to shred the trunk and branches once the tree is cut down. Afterward, you can use the chips in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump is left. Depending on your budget and needs, a service professional can completely remove the stump or grind it down so what's left of it will decompose. Removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover logs, branches and leaves away from your home.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal services also offer landscaping services. These services might include filling the hole where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Delaware

To choose the best tree removal company for your needs, consider these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific professional who can study your tree's requirements and advise you on the appropriate care. This can include revitalizing its health or taking it down if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for pruning, planting and transplanting trees. Ohio does not require arborists to be licensed, so we recommend looking for an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Arborists must have three years of field experience and pass an exam to earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, experience and knowledge to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it has comprehensive insurance, including business liability, workers compensation and general liability. This coverage protects you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. No state license is required for contractors in Ohio that only remove trees. We recommend checking with Delaware officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is the best choice, get a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by searching for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the roots, trunk and crown. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer a free consultation and services estimate. Get estimates from more than one company to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted friends, family and neighbors. Even when you get a referral, take the time to read online reviews on Yelp, BBB and Google Reviews to get a well-rounded perspective before you hire.

Our methodology for selecting tree removal companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.